‘I gave it a run’: Eddie Jones resigns as Wallabies coach

Eddie Jones’ controversial second stint as Wallabies coach is over, ending one of the most tumultuous periods in Australian rugby history.

Less than a month after Australia’s dismal World Cup campaign ended – the Wallabies were knocked out in the group stages for the first time in history – Jones has resigned.

Despite repeatedly telling fans and media that he was committed to Australian rugby for the long-term – as recently as a press conference less than a fortnight ago at Coogee Oval in Sydney - Jones has decided he cannot continue as Wallabies boss.

Jones denies he took part in an interview with the JRFU, despite multiple news outlets reporting that is he poised to meet officials in Japan next month for a second interview.

The Wallabies won two of nine Tests under Jones this year, against minnows Georgia and Portugal.

“[I] gave it a run. Hopefully be the catalyst for change. Sometimes you have to eat shit for others to eat caviar further down the track,” Jones said.

McLennan also spoke to FitzSimons in Paris, the morning after South Africa triumphed over the All Blacks to win a record fourth Rugby World Cup.

“Another world-class Australian coach heads back overseas,” McLennan said.

“After losing to England, New Zealand, France, Ireland and Italy last year, it was a gamble worth taking but this proves the whole system needs to change. It’s up to the states now, the plan is there.

Both parties have been locked in discussions over recent days about an exit for the under-fire Jones. There is final paperwork to be signed but his time as Wallabies boss is over.

The news is a major embarrassment for RA, who signed Jones on a five-year deal in January after sacking Dave Rennie following a run of inconsistent performances.

Jones failed to win a Test before the World Cup and presided over the worst Wallabies team in history at the game’s showpiece event.

At the World Cup, Australia lost to Fiji for the first time in 69 years. One week later, the Wallabies suffered their heaviest World Cup defeat: a 40-6 loss to Wales.

The 63-year-old told reporters before the World Cup that he was confident Australia could win the tournament.

Jones is in the UK this week and will coach the Barbarians, an invitational rugby side, that will take on Wales.

From there, Jones has said he will go to Japan for a holiday with his wife but stressed that he would not be taking a job interview while there.

“I’d like to coach one more team. One more cycle,” Jones told The Australian.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald